10 Maple Sugaring Events in the Chicago Suburbs

Maple syrup has long been a sweet part of American culture. The Native Americans were the first to discover the delicious gift of the sugar maples. Plus, Benjamin Franklin advocated for Americans to use maple sugar as a sweetener thereby making us more self-sufficient by decreasing reliance on cane sugar. Each year during maple tapping season, maple sugaring celebrations highlight our favorite pancake topper. Here are 10 in our neck of the woods:


Sap's Rising: Feb. 27 & 28, March 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 1:30PM, walk through the forest as winter comes to an end and learn about the history of maple syrup production, free

Maple Syrup Hikes, March 5-20 on weekends, Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods, 12PM-2PM every half hour, see tapping in process, see how tap turns to sap, $6 pp, children under 3 free, must register: 847-968-3321

Festival of the Sugar Maples: March 5-6 and March 12-13, Coral Woods Conservation Area, Marengo, 10AM-3PM, learn how maple syrup is made, how trees produce sap and how it is collected, see syrup being created in the evaporator, hikes, free admission, treats for sale

Sugar Bush Fair, March 12-13, Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg, 9AM-12PM, demos of maple syrup production, a pioneer maple sugaring camp, puppet show, hayride, admission is free, also a breakfast with pancakes, $4 for half stack, $5 for full if register before, $5 and $6 respectively at the door

Maple Sugaring Days: March 12-13, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles, 1PM-4PM, learn how to tap maple trees, learn how to set a tap, see sap thickening into syrup over a fire, take a nature hike, taste local syrup, free

Get Sticky! Maple Syrup Sunday: March 13, Fullersburg Woods, Oakbrook 10AM-2PM, 75-minute guided stroll through the woods to learn about how maple syrup is produced, $10 per person, must register--register online

A Taste of Maple Syrup Fest: March 17, Cummins Square, River Forest, 11AM-2PM, learn how real maple syrup is made, enjoy food from food trucks with maple syrup inspired menu items, free admission

Maple Fest: March 19, Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia, 9AM-1PM, maple tapping demos every hour, free, maple snacks and hot beverages for sale

Syrup Tree and Silver Dollar Brunch: March 19 & 20, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, on a guided like learn about maple syrup tapping and see how it is done, sample maple syrup, afterwards enjoy a brunch, $18 pp for members, $25 for non (fee includes Arboretum admission), must register

44th Annual Maple Syrup Fest: March 20, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 11AM-3PM, tree tapping hikes, maple syrup making, maple syrup history and more, free.